ZipCheckup tracks Copper in Maryland drinking water: 4 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 4 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (1.3 mg/L (action level)). Copper carries a moderate health-risk designation.

Copper Contamination in Maryland

ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 359 ZIP codes in Maryland for copper. Copper appears in EPA records only as an action-level exceedance under the CU90 code (at or above the 1.3 mg/L action level), and the EPA transmits no verified copper concentration. 4 ZIP codes in Maryland carry a copper action-level exceedance on record. A ZIP with no copper record has not been shown to be clean: absence means no exceedance was reported, not that copper is safe.

The violation rate for copper in Maryland is 1.1% of all ZIP codes — roughly in line with the national average.

EPA Standard for Copper

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for copper is 1.3 mg/L (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule. Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.

Health Effects of Copper

Short-term exposure to copper above the action level causes gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are particularly sensitive.

How to Remove Copper From Drinking Water

The most effective treatment for copper removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 standards.

Check Your ZIP Code

Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see copper data for your specific water system in Maryland.